As you will more than likely know by now, I believe that adventure happens wherever you are. So when I had the opportunity to go for some adventures on your doorstep in Keswick by teaming up with Tenderstem® and Thwaites Brewery, I jumped at the chance. They had me at the walk, and then there was lunch and beer too. It doesn’t take much to persuade me to go on an adventure!
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Tenderstem® and Thwaites Brewery. All words, images and opinions are mine – and as always, honest!
Adventures on your doorstep
The idea of adventures on your doorstep is to encourage us all to be more adventurous in our daily lives and with the food that we eat (and you know how much I love my food!) Although Keswick isn’t exactly right outside our doorstep, it is only a two-hour drive away, which is close enough for a day adventure. We are so lucky, in Manchester, to be in handy reach of the Lake District.
On the day of our adventure, we headed up to Keswick to walk up Latrigg following a route create by Tenderstem® and Thwaites Brewery, which fortunately started and ended at the Royal Oak Inn in the town centre. Latrigg is one of the lowest fells in the Lake District at under 400m, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get a great walk and some quality views from the top!
Making our way up
We were lucky to find a parking space when we arrived as the nice weather seems to have attracted everyone to the town, with the addition of an Ultra Run which was happening that day too. Central Car Park is only a short (and very pleasant) walk from the town centre and Royal Oak, so you’re not too worn out before starting the walk. After bobbing into the pub to meet the team and to have a pre-walk wee, we were on our way.
Before you know it, you’ve managed to walk upwards to 200m. The views start to appear over the bracken and you spot of few of the nearby lakes. Although there is a nice steep walk to get to that point, it is totally worth it for the big vies and open sky.
Don’t be put off by the hill though, we saw people carrying babies, older couple and more on the way up – so you know it is one that you can enjoy too. (just putting it out there) Talking of older people, it worked out that we were on our adventure on the day of our anniversary. We spotted an older couple enjoying the view from the ridge and wondered whether we’ll still be hill walking when we’re older. Of course, our answer was a firm yes!
Toy town houses
From the ridge of Latrigg, you can really appreciate how high you are (even for a low fell) by the size of the toy town houses of Keswick. Spattered between the green hills and dark clouds you have the white houses highlighting the view. You’ll be amazed at how far you can see from this summit too. We took some time to take in the views at this point – well, until the looming weather front started to roll in.
And the rain came
As we got into our warmer waterproofs (I am so glad I reproofed our gear!) we realised that in our eagerness to see the ridge, we had taken the route the opposite way round! Whoops! It did turn out to be a bit of blessing in disguise though as we were able to walk away from the rain clouds rather than straight into it. Being a circular route, though, you can choose with way you take your adventure.
It takes more than a bit of rain to dampen our spirits!
By this part of the walk we were both noticing a distinct grumble in our tummies so knew that it was time to make our way back to the pub for a refreshing drink and delicious meal. We continues around the opposite way on the route to see all there was to see. We also spotted some sheep dog trials and those crazy ultra runners I mentioned earlier! (I’m not sure it’s an activity we’ll be taking up any time soon!)
The way down
The walk down did not disappoint either – it was equally beautiful to the other side of Latrigg. But this side you get to see over to Derwent Water with the fells hiding behind a mask of clouds. To be honest, the moody sky is one of the things I love about the Lake District. It brings a special kind of atmosphere to the area and looks great in photos too.
It was absolutely gorgeous walking through the woods after the rain. The smell of damp wood and moss filled the air as we made out way though. Stopping to enjoy the view through the trees and chat to other walkers enjoying it too.
From trees to the Royal Oak
Before we knew it we were back outside the doors to the Royal Oak. Grateful and ready for our lunch. Our breakfast and snacks had fared well, but there just isn’t anything like a delicious hot meal after a walk. Especially a walk in the rain. The friendly team took us to our table, took our order and helped to find something seasonal and suitable for me.
Jit went for the seasonal grilled lamb cops with Tenderstem® broccoli, caramelised new potatoes and red currant jus. I chose the mushroom and lentil burger sandwiched in lightly toasted gluten-free bread with Tenderstem® broccoli and skin on fries. My mouth is watering remembering how delicious it was!
Jit said that the flavours went fantastically well together for his lamb dish and it was a great way to end a hill walk. I have to say that mine was incredibly good too – and to meet my dietary needs was a huge bonus too. To accompany our meal we tried some of the local Thwaites Brewery beer from the seasonal menu. An award-winning dark mild called Nutty Black. It was really smooth and easy to drink – shame I was driving! – and something I would definitely order again. We liked the fact that it wasn’t super high in alcohol too, like many of the drinks these days, so you can still function to enjoy a bit of Keswick while you walk off your meal.
Factoid!
A little fact for you, on the theme of Tenderstem®… We got chatting about it while we were walking and from our original thought that it was just skinny broccoli, we realised that Tenderstem® is actually a bit of a superfood! Created from a cross of Chinese kale and broccoli. It has a tender stem (hence the name!) that you can eat all the way down and the delicious flavour that is richer than broccoli. So with this walk, you certainly get an adventure in food and countryside. If you fancy enjoying some seasonally, get out for your adventure soon as the growing season ends in November.
Our Adventures on Your Doorstep in Keswick
With perfectly satisfied stomachs, feet that were ready for rest and smile firmly on our faces, we knew that it was time to head home from our adventures on your doorstep experience in Keswick. It was a day that we’ll remember for some time as we had a fantastic day, coupled with our anniversary. Latrigg, Tenderstem® and Thwaites Breweries proved to be the perfect ingredients to making our day exceptional. Honestly, we’re already planning our next adventure in Keswick – Skiddaw followed by lunch and a pint obviously!
A taste of Autumn
If you fancy getting some adventures on your doorstep and would like to walk the route that we took then you can download the map and route information on the Tenderstem® website. (there’s also the chance to win a campervanning weekend, which is also very cool!)
I cannot recommend an autumnal walk in the Lake District more. And having a really lovely pub to enjoy a meal and drink after the walk is a winning combination. Remember to grab your seasonal dish at the Royal Oak and sample the delicious Thwaites Brewery beers while you’re at it. Dogs are welcome too – and you can get them as meal as well!
Here’s to the start of many more adventures on your doorstep!
Have you been to Keswick and walked up Latrigg? Do you have any favourite adventures on your doorstep?
Please let me know in the comments so that I can add them on my list of adventures to take!